Extra sailing put on to support car rally

An extra sailing will take place between Jersey and Guernsey in February to support a car rally race, a ferry company has announced.

Brittany Ferries said it would put on a new inter-island round trip to support the seventh installment of the Guernsey Rally, which will see 28 stages contested over the two days, covering about 50 stage miles.

It said a new Sunday return sailing to St Helier had been agreed so competitors, spectators and officials could attend the event taking place on 20 and 21 February.

Paul Acheson, commercial director of Brittany Ferries, said it was part of the "company's commitment" to support island life.

Brittany Ferries said the adjustment in schedule would see a new sailing depart Guernsey at 05:45 on 22 February, arriving in St Helier at 07:45 GMT.

It said competitors from Jersey would travel across on the regular, weekly Voyager departure on 18 February.

Mr Acheson said the company acknowledged how much inter-island sport meant so also "scheduled a day trip to Jersey on 16 May next year so as many football fans as possible can attend the Muratti Vase Final".

Deputy Lee van Katwyk, vice-president of Guernsey's development & planning authority, said Guernsey and Jersey were "very lucky" to have the support of the ferry company.

"We have a lot of cars that need to come over from Jersey so this is one event they were able to support us with," he said.

"Obviously they can't add extra sailings for all sports events but this rally is particularly important for them to support and we are very grateful for that."

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